Engineering Technical Lead - JobID-0333

Innovative Defense Technologies, LLC

San Diego (CA)

On-site

USD 135,000 - 273,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits

Paid holidays

401(k) matching

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Innovative Defense Technologies, LLC in San Diego, CA, is seeking an Engineering Technical Lead to guide a fast-paced test and integration team.

You will architect, deploy, and sustain complex DoD systems onboard Navy assets, interfacing with senior warfighters and sponsors to resolve critical issues.

This is an on-site role requiring active clearance eligibility and 4 days in office at our San Diego location.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher in a STEM field.
7+ years designing/developing DoD software systems.
Experience deploying and sustaining Navy systems.
Strong system integration and testing experience.
Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

Lead and mentor a team of engineers; set priorities and development paths.
Translate requirements into clear, actionable specifications.
Architect and design scalable hardware/software systems.
Manage program execution and procurement efficiencies.
Lead deployment, installation, and operational support.
Analyze test data to drive design decisions and corrective actions.
Ensure quality, cost, and schedule alignment.
Collaborate with warfighters, test directors, and sponsors.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/STEM

7+ years DoD software/hardware systems

System integration and test experience

Technical leadership and mentoring

Travel up to 25%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, CS, Math or Physics

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

C++

Python

JavaScript

Java

MATLAB

Job description

Engineering Technical Lead - JobID-0333

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: San Diego, CA

Compensation: $135,000 - $273,000 / year

Description

About The Role:

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking an Engineering Technical Lead to be part of our Integrated Mission Systems team and based out of our San Diego, CA location.

The Engineering Technical Lead will drive and manage a fast-paced, customer-focused test and experimentation team. This role requires deep experience in designing, testing, integrating, deploying, and operating complex software and hardware systems in mission-critical environments. You will lead a team to architect, deliver, and integrate sophisticated DoD systems onboard ships and other Navy assets, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. This hands‑on role demands strong judgment, adaptability, and technical leadership during high‑visibility test events, where you will interface directly with senior warfighters and government sponsors to resolve complex operational issues.

Clearance & Location Requirements

All applicants must be able to obtain/maintain an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
This is an on‑site position. Requiring at least 4 days in office, based out of our San Diego, CA location.

Key Responsibilities

What You Will Do:

Lead and Mentor Teams: Provide direct leadership and mentorship to a team of engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration. Define team priorities, manage tasking, and support the professional development of team members.
Define and Scope Solutions: Translate stakeholder needs into clear, prioritized requirements and success criteria to guide project outcomes.
Architect and Design Systems: Develop structured, scalable hardware and software system designs that optimize performance, reliability, and long‑term sustainability.
Manage Program Execution: Implement scalable processes and tools to enhance efficiency. Assign tasks, forecast skill gaps, and identify procurement efficiencies to ensure coordinated execution across the program.
Integrate and Validate Systems: Lead the deployment, installation, and operational support of complex software and hardware systems. Troubleshoot and resolve advanced system, network, and integration issues during live test and experimentation events.
Leverage Data for Insights: Analyze customer feedback, test results, and performance trends to inform design direction and provide actionable recommendations for corrective actions.
Ensure Quality, Cost, and Schedule Adherence: Develop and manage plans to maintain consistent standards, financial discipline, and schedule alignment.
Collaborate and Communicate: Work directly with senior warfighters, test directors, and government sponsors to define objectives, schedules, and execution plans.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Who You Are (Required):

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or another STEM field (or equivalent professional experience).
A minimum of 7 years of experience in the design, development, and management of complex software systems for the DoD.
Proven ability to deploy, operate, and sustain Navy software and hardware systems in mission‑critical environments.
Strong system integration and test experience, including with distributed and tactical systems.
Experience leading and coordinating test execution activities in the field.
Advanced troubleshooting skills across software, networks, hardware, and operational processes.
Understanding of the Systems Engineering V‑Model and standard software development processes.
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time as needed.

What Makes You Stand Out:

Master’s degree in a related field.
Experience working with the U.S. Navy and government contracts.
Experience with logistics processes, including procurement, classified packaging, and spares management.
Experience in proposal development and cost estimation.
Familiarity with Navy C4I systems and/or surface warfare systems and tactical applications (e.g., Aegis Weapon System, CEC, Link‑16).
Proficiency in scripting or implementing algorithms in C++, Python, JavaScript, Java, MATLAB, or other languages.
Strong background in Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, IT, or Networking.

Pay Range*: $135,000 - $231,000 or $164,000 - $273,000

Pursuant to California Senate Bill 1162, IDT is required to disclose the “pay scale” or “pay range” associated with a job posting. Notably, however, this amount may not be reflective of actual compensation that may be earned as pay is dependent on a candidate’s experience, skills, and education. The posted range does not include bonuses, commissions, tips, or other benefits. Click here for additional information about Senate Bill 1162. IDT is often looking to place multiple candidates at various levels. Therefore, more than one pay range has been included, commensurate with experience.

Job Benefits

Why Work at Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT):

IDT is a growing company with a vibrant, entrepreneurial culture. We are headquartered in Arlington, VA with additional offices in Fall River, MA; Mount Laurel, NJ; and San Diego, CA. At each location, our employees work together in a modern, snack‑filled, and social office space, designing innovative solutions for our defense industry customers. We offer employees competitive pay and benefits including: